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The winter whallop that dumped freezing rain and snow on much of southern and central Saskatchewan has kept the RCMP on its toes.
According to a release, officers received 29 reports of weather-related calls between midnight and 2 p.m. on Dec. 17.
“This includes collisions, ditched vehicles, and traffic hazards, such as vehicles pulled over on the side of the road due to reduced weather and road conditions,” RCMP said.
RCMP couldn’t provide many details about the causes, but said a number of them involve semis or inclines.
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Keely Grasser is a spokesperson with the Saskatchewan RCMP. She said it’s “all hands on deck” with officers responding to calls.
“The whole Saskatchewan RCMP team is doing what they can to help those that are running into trouble due to this weather,” she said.
But the road conditions are making things difficult for emergency responders.
“They (officers) have to take care when conditions are treacherous,” Grasser said.
“They also face the challenge of responding to life and death situations, so they have to strike that balance of getting there fast but getting their responsibility and being safe themselves.”
A Lumsden RCMP officer responded to a call for service on Highway 11, just west of Lumsden. The officer reported very ice conditins and ice pellets falling in the area. (Saskatchewan RCMP/submitted)
Grasser said detachments in Swift Current, White Butte and Moose Jaw saw a number of calls for service.
“I actually heard from one of our police officers in Swift Current that the roads are so slippery that it’s hard to even stand on the roads, let alone drive,” she said.
RCMP anticipate that the freezing rain is going to switch to snow, meaning road conditions will continue to deteriorate.
She urges everyone to avoid travel if they can.
“If you absolutely have to travel, check the highway hotline for the road conditions along your route before you head off,” she said.
For people who find themselves in trouble on the road, Grasser recommends staying with your vehicle, as it will help officers locate you.
“Turn on your car periodically, but be mindful that you want to conserve gas,” she said.
While in your car, she reminds people to occasionally open their windows to get fresh air. If it is snowing, drivers should also check their tailpipe so it doesn’t get clogged with snow.
Grasser also recommends packing emergency supplies like warm clothes, blankets and a phone charger.
As of 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a number of highways in Saskatchewan were labelled as “Travel Not Recommended.” (Screenshot/Highway Hotline)
911 only for emergencies
The RCMP want to remind the public to avoid calling 911 or RCMP detachments for updates on road conditions.
“Calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, and using it in non-emergent situations could prevent someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help,” it said.
‘The right call beats a close call:’ Highway Hotline
Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways urges drivers to stay off the road if possible, but if they must drive, to check the Highway Hotline often, as the weather can change “on a dime.”
“The right call beats a close call. If you do head out, check it again before you head back,” he said.
Drivers can also track snow plows on the Highway Hotline.
“If you are out there and you do come across one of my teammates out there in the snow plows, give them room. Give them space. We want everyone to get home safely,” he said.
Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways said the Highway Hotline is updated as often as possible, with conditions being reported by snowplow operators. (Screenshot/Ministry of Highways)
With the ever-changing conditions, the Highway Hotline is filled with different road reports across the province.
“If the Highway Hotline was a Christmas tree right now, it has a lot of different colours,” he said.
— with files from 980 CJME’s Nicole Garn
